Heart disease is the leading killer of women, taking the lives of twice as many women as die from all forms of cancer each year.

One in nine women between the ages of 45 and 64 suffer from heart disease. That number increases to one in three women over the age of 65.

Risk factors that contribute to heart disease are:

• Smoking
• High levels of cholesterol
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

If you have more than one of these risk factors, the likeliness of heart disease rises drastically. Here's what you can do about it:

• Stop smoking immediately
• Lower the fat in your diet
• Have your cholesterol levels checked regularly
• Exercise regularly
• Learn to manage stress

Heart attacks strike without warning. Don't assume that the pain in your chest is just indigestion or heartburn. Women who have always been healthy tend to disregard early warning signs of heart trouble because they don't believe themselves to be at risk. Be sure to pay attention to your body's warning signs. If you experience chest pains, regardless of your medical history, seek immediate medical help.